Scorpion spasms are a result of Ariz.'s scorching heat

We get a lot of scorpions, and I've seen this at least four times. Most recently, on the garage floor one morning, there was a scorpion writhing its body, at times lying on its side, writhing onto its back, back onto its side, etc. A couple of other times, I've come upon a scorpion lying on its back, curled up, presumed dead. If I nudge it, it will slowly spring to life and then bolt. I would love to know why they do this. It's kind of creepy.

I find scorpions kind of interesting, but then, that is easy for me to say because I am not afflicted with such creatures.

Did you know that instead of being driven away as development eats up the desert, they actually flourish? That's because as we move into their habitat, we bring with us food and water and shelter.

They love us, although I believe I'd rather have a show of affection from a puppy or kitty cat.

Anyway, about this spasming-scorpion thing:

There is a myth that when confronted with fire, scorpions will commit suicide by stinging themselves to death. This, of course, is hooey because scorpions are immune to their own venom.

The fact of the matter is that, while we think of scorpions as desert beings, they are cold-blooded and cannot control their body temperatures or handle very high temperatures. It messes up their inner workings and brings on spasms. And in the throes of those spasms, they strike out wildly with their stingers in defense, which is how the suicide myth came to be.

Usually, they get over this and skitter away. Sometimes, it kills them.